08 Jan Kither Biotech and Pantherna Therapeutics Announce Strategic Collaboration on Synergistic mRNA and Peptide Therapies for Genetic Lung Diseases
Turin (Italy) / Hennigsdorf (Germany), 08.01.2026
Kither Biotech S.r.l. and Pantherna Therapeutics GmbH today announced a strategic research collaboration combining Pantherna’s proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA delivery platform with Kither’s clinical-stage peptide therapeutic KIT2014. The partnership explores synergistic therapeutic approaches where mRNA-based protein restoration and functional enhancement through peptide therapy work in concert to address genetic respiratory diseases.
The collaboration leverages complementary mechanisms: Pantherna’s PTXmRNA® and PTXΔLNP® platforms deliver therapeutic mRNA to restore protein expression, while KIT2014, a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor, enhances protein function through compartmentalized cAMP signaling. This dual-mechanism strategy represents a differentiated approach applicable to genetic lung diseases where both protein replacement and functional optimization may be required for therapeutic efficacy.
“This collaboration validates our mechanism of enhancing protein function through localized cAMP modulation,” said Dr. Dimitrios Goudis, CEO of Kither Biotech. “KIT2014, which holds EMA Orphan Drug Designation, demonstrates multi-factorial effects on airway epithelial function including CFTR potentiation, enhanced epithelial homeostasis, and anti-inflammatory activity. Combining our peptide’s functional enhancement capabilities with Pantherna’s mRNA delivery platform creates complementary therapeutic strategies that could address limitations in current genetic medicine approaches. We see this collaboration opening new strategic opportunities for both standalone and combination development programs.”
“We are excited to partner with Kither Biotech to explore synergistic approaches in genetic lung diseases,” said Dr. Ansgar Santel, CEO of Pantherna Therapeutics. “Our proprietary LNP platform enables efficient delivery of therapeutic mRNA, while Kither’s proven clinical development capabilities combined with KIT2014’s ability to enhance epithelial function through cAMP signaling create powerful complementary capabilities to our mRNA technology.”
Both companies are advancing their respective technology platforms and exploring strategic partnerships to maximize therapeutic applications across multiple respiratory indications. The synergistic approach developed through this collaboration may have broader applicability beyond the initial proof-of-concept studies.
About Kither Biotech S.r.l.
Kither Biotech, headquartered in Turin, Italy, is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class inhaled peptide therapeutics for respiratory diseases. The company’s lead asset, KIT2014, is a peptide that modulates airway function through a novel mechanism involving disruption of the PI3Kγ-PKA-PDE complex, leading to compartmentalized cAMP elevation and enhanced CFTR gating, epithelial homeostasis, bronchodilation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Kither is advancing clinical development programs to maximize the therapeutic potential of its pipeline. For partnership inquiries: info@kitherbiotech.com
About Pantherna Therapeutics GmbH
Pantherna Therapeutics, based in Hennigsdorf with research operations in Berlin, Germany, is a biotechnology company developing mRNA-based therapeutics using its proprietary PTXmRNA® and PTXΔLNP® platforms. The company’s advanced lipid nanoparticle technology enables targeted delivery of therapeutic mRNA for genetic and vascular diseases. Pantherna’s platform addresses critical challenges in mRNA delivery, with applications in respiratory and other indications. For further information, feel free to reach out to contact@pantherna-therapeutics.com.